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Since the pandemic, student absenteeism has surged, with over 25% of students classified as "chronically absent" during the 2021-2022 school year, a significant rise from 15% pre-pandemic. The White House has recognized the issue, labeling it a top priority for American schools, as absenteeism correlates with declining reading and math scores. A recent study published in Educational Researcher, co-authored by Michael Gottfried from the University of Pennsylvania, reveals that higher student absenteeism negatively impacts teacher job satisfaction. The study highlights that absenteeism exacerbates the existing teacher shortage, as educators feel demoralized and unsupported. Experts say addressing absenteeism requires not only getting students back to class but also providing better support for teachers, such as tutoring and instructional assistance.

 

EdSurge

Research suggests teachers often find it challenging to take sick leave due to various pressures, including the need to secure substitutes and the burden placed on colleagues. A November 2023 working paper revealed that teachers are less likely to request time off compared to other professions, with 78% of 1,500 surveyed educators feeling they cannot take advantage of sick leave. Many teachers expressed that preparing for a substitute and catching up afterward often outweighs the benefits of staying home. One teacher commented: “Being absent is more work than just going in sick most times.” Additionally, factors like attendance incentives and district policies further discourage teachers from taking necessary time off. Despite supportive administrators, the pressure to be present remains a significant hurdle for educators.

 

Education Week News

The Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education has come under fire for its lack of due diligence in hiring Shauna Murphy as the permanent superintendent. The board's abrupt decision during a November 19 meeting to skip a formal search process has raised concerns about transparency and community engagement. Murphy, who was surprised by the appointment and did not formally apply, now faces scrutiny regarding her vision for the district. Board member Ben Lindy criticized the rushed process, calling it "reckless" and lacking a clear plan. The board's failure to involve parents and stakeholders in the hiring process has also left many questioning Murphy's qualifications and the board's governance. As the district grapples with significant challenges, including a $30m budget deficit, the board's dysfunction and mistrust among members have further complicated the situation.

 

Cincinnati.com

A New York City elementary school, Hillside Elementary, is facing scrutiny for its gender identity curriculum aimed at kindergartners. The course, designed to promote inclusion, introduces students to terms like "cisgender," "transgender," and "non-binary" through discussions and visual aids. Superintendent William S. McKersie emphasized that the lessons, which occur once a year for 30 minutes, align with the NYS Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework and focus on respect and dignity for all students. However, the curriculum has drawn criticism, with New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino stating: "Our kids can't read or write or even possess a basic understanding of history, yet the gender communism indoctrination of kindergartners continues unabated." The school district has temporarily removed the lesson description from its website following its viral spread on social media.

 

Fox News

Recent policies in several Republican-led states, including Texas, are challenging the church-state divide in public education. Texas has approved a controversial curriculum featuring Bible-infused lessons for elementary schools, joining Louisiana and Oklahoma in similar initiatives. Oklahoma's state superintendent, Ryan Walters, has also established an office of religious liberty within the education department. Despite past legal challenges, experts like Suzanne Rosenblith from the University at Buffalo, SUNY, suggest that the current political climate may favor these policies. Rosenblith noted: “This court hasn't appeared to show a lot of deference to precedent in cases that have nothing to do with religion.” The trend raises questions about the future of religious education in public schools and the potential for Supreme Court involvement.

 

Education Week News

Wadsworth Elementary in South Los Angeles has suffered its sixth break-in since July, resulting in damages estimated at $115,000. The incident is part of a troubling trend, with 171 reported cases of burglary and vandalism in the Los Angeles Unified School District this semester alone. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho remarked: “To target, burglarize, vandalize, steal from poor schools - that is reprehensible.” The school currently lacks a burglar alarm, and security cameras have yet to be installed. The break-in involved heavy tools to force open reinforced doors, affecting 24 classrooms. Community members, including Principal Jenny Guzman-Murdock and parent Bertha Cuevas, expressed anger and concern over the impact on students. Carvalho noted that some incidents may be linked to organized crime, emphasizing the need for community awareness and support through the district's LASAR app for anonymous reporting.

 

Los Angeles Times

Superintendents in Coconino and Yavapai counties are collaborating on grants aimed at alleviating teacher shortages in northern Arizona through housing initiatives. Over the past two years, nine school districts have received funding to renovate buildings into apartments, construct new duplexes, and enhance affordable teacher housing on district-owned properties. The initiative seeks to provide sustainable housing solutions for educators in the region.

 

Arizona Daily Sun

During the 2023-24 school year, New York City schools issued 27,724 suspensions, reflecting a 2.4% decrease from the previous year. However, superintendent suspensions, lasting six days or longer, increased by about 1%, totaling over 6,200. Principal suspensions, which last five days or fewer, declined by more than 3%. Despite the overall drop in suspensions, the rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with fewer students enrolled in the city's public schools. The report highlights that "the total number of suspensions remained below the nearly 33,000 issued in the school year before COVID hit." The figures do not account for charter schools.

 

Chalkbeat